The Elvis Gospel Service will continue as it has done for so many years as one of the highlights of the annual festival.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
There was a suggestion after last year’s enormously successfully service that it would no longer be held.
However, the Parkes Minister’s Association (PMA) hopes to build on the efforts over many years of the Uniting Church in providing the annual Elvis Gospel Service in 2016.
The Uniting Church indicated in 2014 that they were no longer in a position to continue the service beyond 2015.
The PMA began the search for suitably qualified people to oversee the ongoing production of the gospel service.
It was at another of the local events, the Country Music Festival, that a conversation began between PMA and Stephen Cheney (formerly of Parkes) and his wife Nerallie (nee Fleming, from Condobolin) who now reside in Cowra.
The Cheneys have for many years operated “Crispin Promotions Management” (CPM) providing entertainment and running successful festivals.
Stephen in his own right is an accomplished gospel performer and Nerallie a more than able support.
Both have a desire to see the Parkes Elvis Gospel Service go from strength to strength.
The PMA has entered into a contract with the Parkes Elvis Festival for the conducting of the gospel service for 2016, with the services of CPM and the support of the local churches and community.
A sub-committee of the PMA, in conjunction with CPM, is being established from the local churches to organise and run the service.
In the coming weeks, the Cheneys will be seeking sponsorship from businesses and individuals who value and support the gospel service.
Another option of support being explored is a “Friends of the Elvis Gospel Service,” so that individuals can support the service for as little as $50.
In addition, a team of volunteers will have to be raised up to see that the service continues to the high standard that has been established.
The sub-committee will seek to keep the community up to date with further developments as they unfold.
If you would like more information about or would like to sponsor/contribute to the Parkes Elvis Gospel Service 2016 feel free to contact Nerallie on 0428 627 495.
